By: Maria Abreu | September 03, 2024 | 4 minutes. read |
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The Miller School of Medicine director of the Crohn’s and Colitis Center and the first Latina president of the American Gastroenterological Association is discussing common sense solutions to obesity in Hispanic Americans.
For over two decades, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has called for action on obesity, and yet over the past two decades obesity rates have continued to rise, especially for Hispanic Americans. Hispanics are one of the fastest growing populations in the United States, so turning the tide on our community’s obesity rates and corresponding diseases can affect the health of the entire country. However, obesity has been misunderstood for years and we need new strategies to treat this serious disease.
Nearly 42% of American adults and 47% of Hispanic adults are obese – and obesity rates continue to rise rapidly – but it is still misunderstood as a disease. Many believe that it can be cured with more willpower, diet and exercise, but this is false. Research has proven that obesity is a chronic medical condition that affects multiple body systems – cardiovascular, endocrine, psychological and gastrointestinal – to name a few.
The evidence is clear. Effective treatment and management of obesity requires a more nuanced, multifaceted approach. Some data suggest that genetic differences combined with the artificial ingredients in ultra-processed foods may make Hispanics more vulnerable to obesity.
Treatment Spectrum for Obesity
Many people with obesity believe that their treatment options are limited to lifestyle changes or surgery, but there is a comprehensive spectrum of treatment options available. Unfortunately, many effective weight loss programs, services and treatments are not covered by insurance plans. To add insult to injury, current Medicare rules deny millions of Americans access to some of the most effective obesity care. This means that large numbers of people cannot access the care they need.
After years of misunderstanding, we must support the resources and treatments we know can help the Hispanic community and millions of other Americans. Contact your elected officials and encourage them to support the passage of the Obesity Treatment and Reduction Act.
-Dr. Maria Abreu
As a Hispanic provider who treats many Hispanic patients, this issue is critical to me, since obesity and obesity-related health problems, such as liver disease, disproportionately affect my community. Maintaining a healthy weight is a critical way to improve obesity-related health problems and reverse or prevent certain conditions before they become severe. However, maintaining a healthy weight can be impossible without access to affordable, effective care.
The challenges in accessing obesity medications and treatments are exacerbating health disparities in the Hispanic community. In Miami, we are seeing patients whose insurance does not cover obesity medications turning to the black market to obtain medications. This dangerous situation shows how urgently many Hispanic patients are searching for solutions.
In addition, some insurance plans do not cover other obesity treatments, such as nutritional counseling. Medicare is an essential program for millions of older Hispanics, and they deserve access to the most up-to-date and effective resources.
“It’s time to take action”
I care for a patient from Colombia with poorly controlled Crohn’s disease. Her family is selling Wegovy® on the black market for her weight loss. She still hasn’t lost any weight and we’re not sure if this is the real medicine.
It’s time to change how we view and manage obesity in the U.S. The bipartisan Obesity Treatment and Reduction Act would expand Medicare coverage to include prescription drugs for chronic weight management, behavioral counseling and other prevention and treatment options. included. Because many private insurance companies model their covered health benefits to reflect Medicare coverage, the passage of the Obesity Treatment and Reduction Act could increase obesity care coverage for all Americans.
After years of misunderstanding, we must support the resources and treatments we know can help the Hispanic community and millions of other Americans. This legislation would be a critical first step in the right direction. It’s time to take action. Contact your elected officials and encourage them to support the passage of the Obesity Treatment and Reduction Act.
Tags: Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, Dr Maria Abreu, obesity
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